Brinker International (EAT) Q4 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved 21st consecutive quarter and five consecutive years of same-store sales growth at Chili's, with Q4 comps up 5.6% and a three-year cumulative comp of 50%.

• Chili's continues to lead the casual dining segment in traffic and value, with a per person spend $3-$4 below competitors.

• The Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich launch drove a 175% increase in daily sandwich sales, outperforming previous successful launches.

• Operational improvements, including simplification of shift checks and upgraded scheduling tools, freed up manager time and improved throughput.

• Maggiano's turnaround remains mixed, with progress in operations but slower-than-expected recovery and Q4 comps down 2.5%.

Financial highlights

• Fiscal 2026 total revenue grew 7.9% year-over-year to $5,807.4 million; adjusted EPS increased 20.6%.

• Q4 total revenues were $1,535.8 million, with consolidated comp sales of +5%.

• Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was $3.07, up 23% year-over-year.

• Restaurant operating margins improved to 18%, up 20 basis points year-over-year.

• Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was approximately $228 million, a 7.1% increase from prior year.

Outlook and guidance

• Fiscal 2027 guidance includes a 53rd week, expected to add ~2% to revenues and $0.70 to EPS.

• Annual revenues projected at $6.15–$6.27 billion; adjusted diluted EPS at $12.60–$13.40.

• Guidance assumes mid-single digit same-store sales and positive traffic for Chili's, with conservative inflation assumptions.

• Capital expenditures expected at $265–$285 million, with 3 net new company-owned openings and acquisition of 12 franchise units.